Hormonal, Reproductive, Bone, and Steroid Medications

Vocabulary flashcards covering brand names, generic equivalents, and therapeutic classes for hormonal, reproductive, bisphosphonate, and corticosteroid medications mentioned in the lecture notes.

Armour Thyroid

Thyroid extract- from porcine thyroid glands, it is used as a thyroid hormone replacement therapy, typically administered as a tablet, to treat hypothyroidism by providing both levothyroxine (T4) and liothyronine (T3) hormones.

Synthroid / Levoxyl

Levothyroxine- is a synthetic form of the thyroid hormone thyroxine (T4). It is the most commonly prescribed medication for hypothyroidism, where the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormone. It is taken orally as a tablet to restore normal hormone levels.

Cialis

Tadalafil- is primarily used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). It works by increasing blood flow to the penis during sexual stimulation. It can remain effective for up to 36 hours. It is also approved to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

Levitra

Vardenafil- is used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). It helps to increase blood flow to the penis, facilitating an erection when sexually stimulated. It is typically taken as a tablet shortly before sexual activity.

Viagra

Sildenafil citrate- is commonly known for treating erectile dysfunction (ED) by increasing blood flow to the penis. It is also used to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). It is taken orally as a tablet.

Estrace / Elestrin / Vivelle

Estradiol- is the most potent and principal estrogen produced by the ovaries. It is used as an estrogen supplement for hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to relieve menopausal symptoms, treat certain types of breast cancer, and manage conditions like hypogonadism. It is available in multiple forms including tablets, creams, injections, transdermal patches, and vaginal rings.

Premarin

Conjugated estrogens- are a mixture of estrogens obtained from the urine of pregnant mares. It is used as an estrogen supplement for hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to alleviate menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness, prevent osteoporosis, and treat certain estrogen-deficient conditions. It is available as a tablet and a cream.

Prometrium

Progesterone- is a natural progestin hormone crucial for regulating the menstrual cycle and maintaining pregnancy. It is used as a progestin supplement for hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in women who still have a uterus (to reduce the risk of endometrial cancer when taking estrogen), to treat amenorrhea (absence of menstruation), and for fertility treatments. It comes as a capsule or cream.

Depo-Testosterone

Testosterone- is a long-acting injectable form of the primary male sex hormone. It is used as a testosterone supplement to treat conditions caused by low testosterone levels in men (hypogonadism), such as delayed puberty, impotence, and other hormonal imbalances. It can also be found in tablet form.

Androgel / Androderm

Testosterone- is a transdermal form of the male sex hormone, designed to deliver the hormone through the skin. It is used as a testosterone supplement to treat males with primary hypogonadism or hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (conditions causing low testosterone). It is available as a topical gel or a transdermal patch, offering consistent testosterone delivery over time.

Jolessa

This is a combined oral contraceptive pill containing Ethinyl estradiol (an estrogen) and Levonorgestrel (a progestin). These pills work by preventing ovulation, thickening cervical mucus to block sperm, and thinning the uterine lining to prevent implantation, thus preventing pregnancy. It is typically an extended-cycle contraceptive, allowing for fewer periods per year.

Loestrin

This is a combined oral contraceptive pill composed of Ethinyl estradiol (an estrogen) and Norethindrone (a progestin). This combination prevents pregnancy primarily by inhibiting ovulation, as well as by altering cervical mucus and the uterine lining. It is often a low-dose contraceptive.

Ortho Tri-Cyclen

This is a triphasic combined oral contraceptive pill containing Ethinyl estradiol and Norgestimate. As a triphasic pill, the levels of hormones (estrogen and progestin) vary over the 21-day cycle to mimic the body's natural hormonal fluctuations more closely, aiming to reduce side effects and prevent pregnancy.

Yaz / Yasmin

These are combined oral contraceptive pills containing Ethinyl estradiol and Drospirenone. Drospirenone is a unique progestin with anti-androgenic effects, which can help improve acne and reduce symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) in addition to preventing pregnancy. It also has mild anti-mineralocorticoid activity, which may help reduce water retention.

Ortho Evra

This is a transdermal contraceptive patch that delivers Ethinyl estradiol and Norelgestromin through the skin. The patch is applied once a week for three weeks, followed by a patch-free week, to prevent pregnancy by releasing hormones that inhibit ovulation and thicken cervical mucus.

NuvaRing

This is a vaginal ring contraceptive that releases Ethinyl estradiol and Etonogestrel directly into the vagina. The flexible ring is inserted once a month and provides a continuous low dose of hormones to prevent ovulation, making it a convenient and effective birth control method.

Plan B

Levonorgestrel- is an emergency contraceptive tablet, often referred to as 'the morning-after pill.' It is used to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure. It works primarily by delaying or inhibiting ovulation and is most effective when taken as soon as possible, ideally within 72 hours, but can be effective up to 120 hours after unprotected sex.

Actonel

Risedronate- is a bisphosphonate medication used to treat and prevent osteoporosis in postmenopausal women and men, as well as to treat Paget's disease of bone. It works by inhibiting osteoclast activity (cells that break down bone), thereby slowing bone loss and increasing bone density, reducing the risk of fractures. It is typically taken as a tablet, often weekly or monthly, with specific administration instructions to ensure absorption and minimize side effects.

Boniva

Ibandronate- is a bisphosphonate medication prescribed for the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. Similar to other bisphosphonates, it works by slowing the rate of bone resorption, which helps to increase bone mineral density and reduce the risk of fractures. It is notable for its flexible dosing, available as a monthly tablet.

Fosamax

Alendronate- is a widely used bisphosphonate medication for the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women and men, as well as for glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis and Paget's disease. It works by inhibiting bone resorption by osteoclasts, leading to an increase in bone density over time. It is taken orally as a tablet or liquid, typically once daily or weekly, with strict instructions regarding timing and posture to ensure proper absorption and prevent esophageal irritation.

Deltasone / Sterapred

Prednisone- is a powerful synthetic systemic corticosteroid. It is widely used for its anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties to treat a broad range of conditions, including allergic reactions, autoimmune diseases, asthma, inflammatory bowel disease, and certain cancers. It is available in tablet and liquid forms.

Decadron

Dexamethasone- is a potent, long-acting synthetic systemic corticosteroid. It is valued for its strong anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects and is used to treat severe allergic reactions, inflammatory conditions (e.g., arthritis, severe asthma), certain brain edemas, and as part of chemotherapy regimens. It is available as a tablet, liquid, and injection.

Cortef

Hydrocortisone is a systemic corticosteroid that is chemically identical to cortisol, a natural hormone produced by the adrenal glands. It is primarily used as replacement therapy for adrenal insufficiency (e.g., Addison's disease) and to treat various inflammatory and allergic conditions. It is available as a tablet and injection.

Medrol / Solu-Medrol

Methylprednisolone- is a synthetic systemic corticosteroid similar to prednisone but often considered to have slightly higher potency and less mineralocorticoid effect. It is commonly used for acute inflammatory and allergic conditions, such as severe asthma exacerbations, allergic reactions, and certain autoimmune flares. It is available in tablet and injectable forms.

Orapred

Prednisolone- is a systemic corticosteroid, which is the active metabolite of prednisone. It is used for similar anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive purposes as prednisone, treating conditions like asthma, allergies, arthritis, and autoimmune diseases. It is often preferred in patients with liver impairment, as it does not require hepatic conversion to its active form. It is available as a tablet and liquid.